‘Airline To Middle-Earth’ Ambassador

New Zealand’s ‘Greatest’ Rings Fan Becomes ‘Airline To Middle-Earth’ Ambassador

Air New Zealand has appointed the man dubbed New Zealand’s greatest ‘Ring’s fan’, Ian Brodie, as its Lord of the Rings Ambassador.

He is the author of the official Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook – New Zealand’s number one best seller, which sold out within the first four days when it was published last month and is already in its third reprint.

And he knows more about the movie trilogy than possibly anyone other than the core production team.

As part of Air New Zealand’s global promotion of its role as “Airline to Middle-earth” in the vanguard of New Zealand tourism marketing, Ian will help carry the ‘Rings’ message. His expertise will be harnessed by the airline’s marketing teams, both here and offshore, and in media and public relations work.

He describes his role with Air New Zealand as “helping the airline in its drive to build New Zealand tourism.”

“As a Kiwi, I am very proud that Air New Zealand has had the vision to seize this opportunity in such a high profile way. It’s terrific for New Zealand tourism to see images from the film being flown around the major cities of the world, “ he added.

Passengers onboard tonight’s first ‘Frodo’ flight to Los Angeles will each be presented with a personally autographed copy of the guidebook.

For the next year, special onboard announcements of Air New Zealand’s “Airline to Middle-earth” status will be made onboard the ‘Frodo’ aircraft, a 13 minute video will be shown featuring locations used in the movie followed by a trailer for Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and passengers will each receive a souvenir postcard showing the imagery used on the aircraft itself.

Ian’s regular job is the curator of the ‘Warbirds’ collection of World War II fighter planes in Wanaka, deep in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island – very close to a number of the most dramatic locations used in the movie.

He formerly worked for Air New Zealand for 11 years in a variety of sales and marketing roles and is a passionate aviation enthusiast.

Meticulously researched, Ian’s guidebook even includes global positioning satellite coordinates so that determined ‘Rings’ fans can pinpoint exactly where certain scenes were shot.

The book can be ordered through: www.lordoftheringslocations.com

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